Ethiopian Envoy Calls for Stronger Democratic Institutions Across Africa, Cites Election Reforms as Model

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Legesse Haile, has called on African leaders to strengthen democratic institutions and promote broader citizen participation in elections, saying sustainable democracy remains critical to the continent’s development and stability.

Speaking during an interactive session with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, Haile highlighted lessons from Ethiopia’s Seventh National Election, describing it as a significant milestone in Africa’s democratic journey.

According to the envoy, the June 1 election demonstrated the resolve of millions of Ethiopians to shape their country’s future through peaceful, constitutional and democratic processes despite prevailing political, economic and social challenges.

“Ethiopia occupies a unique place in Africa’s political history,” he said, noting that the country, with a population of more than 130 million people, remains a founding member and host of the headquarters of the African Union.

He stressed that strengthening democratic institutions and embracing homegrown economic reforms are essential for African nations seeking inclusive growth and political stability.

“Despite complex political, economic and social challenges, Ethiopia has remained committed to advancing its democratic process and strengthening its institutions,” Haile said.

The ambassador noted that Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Programme has begun yielding positive results, driving infrastructure development, boosting agricultural productivity, encouraging urban renewal, and promoting investments in strategic national assets.

He described the election as more than a voting exercise, saying it provided citizens with an opportunity to evaluate governance and influence the country’s development trajectory.

Haile attributed the success of the poll to increased voter participation, improved electoral administration, stronger legal frameworks and the deployment of innovative technology.

Among the key innovations, he said, was the introduction of “Mirchaye” (My Choice), a locally developed digital voter registration platform.

According to him, more than five million Ethiopians registered online using national identity cards, while over 49 million others completed registration through a hybrid manual and digital process that significantly expanded voter access.

“For the first time, candidates and political parties also completed their registration digitally, while more than 7,000 polling stations were mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to improve transparency, planning and logistics,” he said.

Haile disclosed that the National Election Board of Ethiopia deployed approximately 195,000 election officials across nearly 52,000 polling stations in 501 constituencies.

He added that the election attracted both domestic and international observers, including missions from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta led the African Union Election Observation Mission, while the IGAD team was headed by Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe.

The envoy said the election recorded 54.1 million registered voters and featured a highly competitive field, with 42 political parties, coalition groups and independent candidates contesting seats at federal, regional and city administration levels.

A total of 10,438 party candidates and 80 independent candidates participated in the exercise, he added.

Haile argued that strengthening democratic institutions would ensure elections become more than periodic voting exercises, serving instead as platforms for national dialogue, accountability and citizen engagement.

He acknowledged that the electoral process was not without challenges, citing security concerns in some constituencies and the need to improve women’s participation in political leadership and electoral administration.
However, he maintained that such challenges should be viewed as opportunities for reform rather than setbacks.

“Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates that African citizens remain deeply committed to constitutional order, accountability and democratic participation,” he said.

He urged governments across the continent to continue investing in institutional reforms that would enhance transparency, inclusion and public confidence in democratic governance.